Court sentences Olaine deputy to 200 hours of community service

Olaine municipality council member Andris Vurčs has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service for knowingly giving false information to the municipal election commission, LSM reported. The Riga District Court found him guilty at first instance; the judgment has not yet taken effect.

Vurčs said in his election candidacy documents that he had completed secondary education at Olaine Secondary School No. 1. He had completed only basic education there.

The court said it had reviewed evidence submitted by the prosecutor and arguments from the defence before finding the accusation substantiated. The prosecution said it was satisfied with the conviction, adding that elected officials must take responsibility for their actions regardless of their position or status.

Vurčs told Latvian Television in a written response that he would appeal the ruling within the specified deadline. He said he would not give interviews or further comment while the proceedings were ongoing.

Vurčs can continue serving on the council until a final judgment is issued. If the conviction takes effect, he must give up his council seat. He has been elected to the council twice, most recently in 2025 on the Suverēnā vara and Apvienība Jaunlatvieši joint list.